Zak Madell

Madell came of age in 2015, inspiring Canada to gold at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games with a thrilling win over rivals USA.

The 3.5 point player scored 34 of his team’s points in the 57-54 defeat of the USA. Months later, he was part of the Canadian team that won the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge in London, a victory that moved Canada to the world No.1 spot for the first time in 13 years.

At the London 2012 Paralympic Games, he was a key goal scorer and playmaker for Canada who ended up falling just short in the final against Australia.

Two years later, he was named Most Valuable Player at the 2014 IWRF World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in Odense, Denmark, as Canada again won silver behind Australia.

As one of the most high-functioning players on the team, Madell plays an all-around game. His speed, passing, catching and hitting abilities are all crucial for team Canada.

Although a lot of weight is going to rest on his shoulders over the coming years, Madell has already shown he is up for it.

Despite his improvement over the years, Madell and his Canadian teammates fell short of the medals at Rio 2016, losing to the USA in the semi-finals, before going down to Japan in the battle for bronze.

Off the court, MadelI is an athlete ambassador for the Paralympic Foundation of Canada's 'Champions Journey' fundraising campaign. He also lends his time to The War Amps of Canada, committed to improving the quality of life for Canadian amputees.

He began his wheelchair rugby career in 2011 as a new challenge after previously playing wheelchair basketball, ice sledge hockey and lacrosse.

He debuted for the Canadian national team at the 2011 Americas Zone qualification tournament and will continue to be one of the most important players in the squad as he is the focal point in attack.